Attleboro, MA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash
- Required at all times off property
- License Period
- April 1–March 31 annually
- No License Fine
- $50
- No Rabies Proof
- $100 fine
Summary
Attleboro requires dogs to be restrained with a leash at all times when off the owner's property under city ordinance and MGL Ch. 140. Annual licensing is required (April 1-March 31). Late fee of $25 per dog applies after June 1. Failure to license is a $50 fine.
Any person may file a complaint in writing to the hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in the city or town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog; provided, however, that no dog shall be deemed dangerous: (i) solely based upon growling or barking or solely growling and barking; (ii) based upon the breed of the dog; or (iii) if the dog was reacting to another animal or to a person and the dog's reaction was not grossly disproportionate to any of the following circumstances: (1) the dog was protecting or defending itself, its offspring, another domestic animal or a person from attack or assault; (2) the person who was attacked or threatened by the dog was committing a crime upon the person or property of the owner or keeper of the dog; (3) the person attacked or threa
Full Breakdown
Attleboro's animal control ordinance (Sections 9-35 through 9-37) requires dog owners to control their dogs and keep them leashed at all times off their property. Licensing through the City Clerk runs April 1 to March 31. A $25 late fee per dog applies starting June 1 ($50-$150 for kennels). The penalty for not having a current license is $50. Failure to provide rabies vaccination proof is a $100 fine. All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
Violations & Fines
No license: $50 fine (Ord. 9-36/9-37). Late fee: $25/dog after June 1. No rabies proof: $100 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Attleboro
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle dog leash laws.